The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive legal framework established by the European Union to safeguard personal data and privacy. Implemented on May 25, 2018, under the formal reference 2016/679, GDPR sets stringent guidelines for the collection, storage, and processing of personal information within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).
GDPR has a far-reaching impact, affecting not only organizations within the EU and EEA but also those outside these regions that handle data belonging to EU and EEA residents. One of its key provisions includes strict protocols for the international transfer of personal data, ensuring that the same level of protection is maintained when data is moved beyond EU and EEA borders.
This regulation empowers individuals with greater control over their personal data, granting them rights such as the right to access, rectify, erase, and restrict the processing of their data. Organizations are required to implement robust data protection measures and are held accountable for compliance, facing significant penalties for violations.